Saddle DAMAGE! How to recognise and reduce saddle trauma.

An in depth discussion of saddle trauma, unmounted saddle fit and factors which complicate saddle fit.
We all desire for our horse to be comfortable under us. This presentation is aimed at helping horse riders and owners better understand saddle related back pain of horses and the critical points of unmounted saddle fit and the myriads of factors which complicate saddle fit.
The saddle, of course, is a critical interface between the horse and rider. When things are not right horse welfare, posture, gait, and behaviour deteriorate, and any limb soreness a horse is living with gets stressed, often leading to overt lameness.
Sadly, ill-fitting and inappropriately designed saddles are commonplace and when coupled with pre-existing back tenderness and tension, very commonly lead to damaging trauma in ridden horses.